In the spirit of full disclosure, I want to share with you you that I started working for Genesis Today this month. My new job may influence the types of topics I write about from now on, but I promise to maintain my integrity.
While trying to decide whether or not to take the position, I contacted an RD who used to work for a supplement company. She told me "Lots of companies will offer to pay you to help them promote their products – you just need to decide if you want to lend them your name and reputation."
I was worried, at first. Without knowing anything about the products, I was concerned that I would have to lie to do my job. "Buy this supplement, it's the best!" I reconciled this by deciding to research each product extensively and share only the information supported by fact. Put things in a positive light. Lies of omission are OK, right?
It's not like I had a lot of time to think about it. My new employment. It happened so fast. I wasn't looking for a new job. They found me on LinkedIn on January 25th and, two weeks later, after a 45-minute phone conversation and 90-minute interview, I was offered the Regional Educator and Trainer position! Crazy? Serendipitous!
I was beginning to get complacent at my old job. I reached a peak, my nutrition lessons for preschoolers as creative and integrative as possible, then started to run out of ideas. I was disappointed in myself, my newest lessons less engaging than the previous lessons. I was ready to leave, move on, and learn something new.
I also do not miss the unsanitary and inhospitable working conditions - office temperature ranging from 60 to 80 degrees, rats chewing through my nutrition supplies in the evenings...
The most exciting thing about working for a private company is the efficiency. I was paid 15 days after I started working for them. Amazing! Compare that to the two months I waited for UDC to pay me after I started working. Not to mention the mileage reimbursement checks. I still haven't received reimbursement for miles driving in February, January or December 2012. But let's not dwell on the past.
Looking forward! Here I am, 12 days into a new and demanding job. I've already trained 8 stores and visited 14 store others - traveling from Alexandria, VA to Annapolis, MD to Erie, PA. This Wednesday, I will be presenting a webinar on Antioxidants!
The other good news is that, since headquarters is located in Austin, TX, my office is my "home" - or anywhere with internet. Lately, I've been choosing to work predominantly from my office at Pinecrest Wellness Center. Already my private practice has picked back up! How lucky am I for this wonderful, career-enhancing opportunity.
